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interest with Sri Lanka thus he sent his two children—Mahinda and Sa ghamittã—as
Buddhist messengers to spread Buddhism in Sri Lanka. His early initiatives gave a
strong foundation by paving the way for Sri Lanka to become the home of Therav?da
Buddhism in the following centuries. In historical terms, Theravãda is the only extant
early Buddhist school today that had been formed in doctrinal and institutional terms
at the time of the third council with the leadership of Moggalĩputtatissa by organiz
ing the Buddha’s words as tipi aka, in particular, with the completion of the seven
books of the Abhidhamma.

Inscriptions of Emperor A oka testify that he entertained and cultivated attitudes
of a very broad vision. He was exceedingly affectionate towards his subjects once he
realized the damage and implications of his military conquest of others.

In the Kali ga Edict II, Emperor A oka stated:

All men [humans] are my children. Just as I seek the welfare and
happiness of my own children in this world and the next, I seek the same
things for all men [humans].

Unconquered peoples along the borders of my dominions may wonder what
my disposition is toward them. My only wish with respect to them is that they
should not fear me, but trust me; that they should expect only happiness from
me, not misery; that they should understand further that I will forgive them for
offenses which can be forgiven; that they should be induced by my example to
practice Dharma; and that they should attain happiness in this world and the
next (Nikam and McKeon 1978: 53).

Emperor A oka left an image of a truly compassionate and just ruler, who
adopted a policy of governance in accordance with the ten principles of the king. The
way Emperor A oka exhibited the ten principles of the king (dasa rãjadharma) in his
royal affairs can be seen in his inscriptions.

Emperor A oka stated that he had an “unshakable resolution and commitment”
to communicate his “will” and “debt” to people through the inscriptions:

You must perform your duties in this way and establish their confidence in
the King, assuring them that he is like a father to them, that he loves them as
he loves himself, and that they are like his own children (Nikam and McKeon
1978: 54).

By stating his will, Emperor A oka implemented his vision by appointing International panel discussion
“officials to carry out this program in all the provinces” (Nikam and McKeon 1978:
54).

You are able to inspire the border peoples with confidence in me and to
advance their welfare and happiness in this world and the next. By doing so,
you will also attain heaven and help me discharge my debts to the people.